The Family Bit First
‘m writing this one week before my firstborn gets married. By the time you read this, he’ll be married!
It’s been an interesting year since he got engaged, and an even more interesting few weeks leading up to the wedding. I’ve spent a lot of time reminiscing about the different stages of his life—him as a baby, a little boy, his first day of Kindergarten, graduating high school, and the tear-stained goodbye as he headed off to Prince George for university, where he would eventually meet the woman who is now his wife.
Being a parent is such a joy, and watching your child fall in love—and be loved in return—is one of the greatest gifts I’ve experienced as a mum.
I’ve never been one to cry at milestones. When a group of us young mums watched our children walk into Kindergarten for the first time, many of the women around me were in tears, while I was simply happy. Happy for a two-hour break, of course, but even happier to watch my son do exactly what he was meant to do—grow up.
That’s the same feeling I have now as I think about his marriage. I’m so happy that he’s found love and is beginning this next chapter of his life.
By the time you read this, the wedding will be over, but I know I’ll be far too busy celebrating and hosting my dad and brother from England to have time to update this newsletter with photos. You’ll have to wait until next month for those! In the meantime, here’s a photo of me, my youngest son Levi, and my dad enjoying dinner at Masala Boyz in Walnut Grove. If you haven’t been there yet, I highly recommend it!
The Real Estate Bit
Despite a slower market—and roughly 300 fewer REALTORS® in the Fraser Valley this year so far —I’ve remained consistently busy and on track for another great year. I’m incredibly grateful to all of you who continue to support my business through transactions, referrals and recommendations. Thank you!
Both listings and sales increased last month across the Fraser Valley, although activity remains lower than it was this time last year. One trend continues to stand out: homes that are overpriced are sitting on the market.
Unfortunately, when properties sit, they often sit for a very long time. Sellers end up reducing their price multiple times, chasing the market downward, and frequently selling for less than they would have if they had priced correctly from the start. I know I sound like a broken record, but the data continues to prove the point.
The homes that are priced competitively—meaning they’re positioned below similar competing properties that have been sitting—are still selling relatively quickly.
For many sellers, accepting how much the market has changed can be difficult, but the numbers don’t lie.
As for buyers who are waiting on the sidelines to see whether prices will fall further, your guess is as good as mine. Personally, I don’t expect significant price declines from here, but I also don’t foresee rapid appreciation any time soon. My outlook remains unchanged: I expect a fairly stable market for the foreseeable future.
If you’re considering buying, this may be a good time to explore your options. Just don’t expect immediate gains. Real estate remains a long-term investment—but if you can afford to own, why pay rent when you could be paying down your own mortgage?
Here is the latest, full Stats Package if you wish to take a deeper dive!
Open Up: Little Moves That Let the Outside In
June is the month when your home remembers what it’s for. The windows get pushed open, the back door stays unlatched a little longer, and suddenly the boundary between inside and out starts to blur in the best way. Fresh air living isn’t about a big renovation — it’s about a few intentional shifts that make your whole home feel lighter and more alive.
Throw Open the Windows (Really Open Them)
We spend all winter sealed up tight, so May is your permission slip. Cross-ventilate by opening windows on opposite sides of the house to get air moving through. Even 20 minutes of a good breeze refreshes a room better than any candle or spray.
Bring a Plant Into Every Room
Houseplants aren’t just decoration — many genuinely filter the air, absorbing common indoor pollutants. Spider plants, pothos, and peace lilies are low-maintenance picks that pull real weight. Even one plant per room makes a space feel more alive and oxygenated.
Blur the Line Between Inside and Out
Add an outdoor rug, a cluster of potted herbs by the back door, or a reading chair near your best window. These aren’t big projects — they’re simple signals that your home is open for the season. String a few lights on the patio and suddenly “outside” becomes a room you actually use.
Set Up an Outdoor Gathering Spot
You don’t need a full outdoor kitchen to create a space worth spending time in. A bistro table, two chairs, and a small side table for drinks is genuinely all it takes. Add a planter with a few herbs or flowers and you’ve made somewhere inviting. The key: make it easy to get to so you actually go there.
Let Natural Light Lead
Swap heavy drapes for sheers, move furniture away from windows, and embrace the longer days. Natural light lifts mood, reduces the need for artificial lighting, and makes every room feel more spacious. This time of year, it’s one of the best free upgrades your home has to offer.
The season is short and the windows won’t stay open forever. Make the most of it.
Feature of the Month
